As recorded by the source, Moroccans ranked as the foreign nationality with more residents in Spain in 2023, closely followed by Romanians. After years of losing its foreign population, Spain’s immigration figures started to pick up in 2015, with the number of people that moved to the Mediterranean country surpassing the number of foreigners that decided to leave.

A matter of balance The net migration rate of Spain changed its course mainly due to the great inflow of foreigners that move to reside in the Mediterranean country. Spain’s immigration flow slowed down after the 2008 financial crisis, albeit the number of foreigners that opted to change their residence saw a significant growth in the last years. In 2022, Colombians ranked first as the foreign nationality that most relocated to Spain, distantly followed by Moroccans and Ukranians.

Spain does not have the highest number of immigrants in Europe In recent years, the European Union confronted a rising number of refugees arriving from the Middle East. Migration figures show that Germany accommodated approximately 15 million foreign-born citizens, ranking it as the country that most hosted immigrants in Europe in 2022. By comparison, Spain’s foreign population stood slightly over seven million, positioning the Western Mediterranean country third on the European list of foreign-born population. Unfortunately, thousands of persons have died ore gone missing trying to reach Spanish territory, as more and more irregular migrants opt to use dangerous maritime routes to arrive at Southern Europe from Africa's coasts.

The largest number of immigrants in Germany were from Ukraine, as of 2023. The top three origin countries were rounded up by Romania and Turkey. Immigrants are defined as having left a country, which may be their home country, to permanently reside in another. Upon arriving, immigrants do not hold the citizenship of the country they move to. Immigration in the EU All three aforementioned countries are members of the European Union, which means their citizens have freedom of movement between EU member states. In practice, this means that citizens of any EU member country may relocate between them to live and work there. Unrestricted by visas or residence permits, the search for university courses, jobs, retirement options, and places to live seems to be defined by an enormous amount of choice. However, even in this freedom of movement scheme, immigration may be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or financial challenges. Prosperity with a question mark While Germany continues to be an attractive destination for foreigners both in and outside the European Union, as well as asylum applicants, it remains to be seen how current events might influence these patterns, whether the number of immigrants arriving from certain countries will shift. Europe’s largest economy is suffering. Climbing inflation levels in the last few months, as well as remaining difficulties from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are affecting global economic development. Ultimately, future immigrants may face the fact of moving from one struggling economy to another.

The empirical dataset is derived from a survey carried out on 25 estates in 14 cities in nine different European countries: France (Lyon), Germany (Berlin), Hungary (Budapest and Nyiregyha´za), Italy (Milan), the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Utrecht), Poland (Warsaw), Slovenia (Ljubljana and Koper), Spain (Barcelona and Madrid), and Sweden (Jo¨nko¨ping and Stockholm). The survey was part of the EU RESTATE project (Musterd & Van Kempen, 2005). A similar survey was constructed for all 25 estates.

The survey was carried out between February and June 2004. In each case, a random sample was drawn, usually from the whole estate. For some estates, address lists were used as the basis for the sample; in other cases, the researchers first had to take a complete inventory of addresses themselves (for some deviations from this general trend and for an overview of response rates, see Musterd & Van Kempen, 2005). In most cities, survey teams were hired to carry out the survey. They worked under the supervision of the RESTATE partners. Briefings were organised to instruct the survey teams. In some cases (for example, in Amsterdam and Utrecht), interviewers were recruited from specific ethnic groups in order to increase the response rate among, for example, the Turkish and Moroccan residents on the estates. In other cases, family members translated questions during a face-to-face interview. The interviewers with an immigrant background were hired in those estates where this made sense. In some estates it was not necessary to do this because the number of immigrants was (close to) zero (as in most cases in CE Europe).

The questionnaire could be completed by the respondents themselves, but also by the interviewers in a face-to-face interview.

Data and Representativeness

The data file contains 4756 respondents. Nearly all respondents indicated their satisfaction with the dwelling and the estate. Originally, the data file also contained cases from the UK.

However, UK respondents were excluded from the analyses because of doubts about the reliability of the answers to the ethnic minority questions. This left 25 estates in nine countries. In general, older people and original populations are somewhat over-represented, while younger people and immigrant populations are relatively under-represented, despite the fact that in estates with a large minority population surveyors were also employed from minority ethnic groups. For younger people, this discrepancy probably derives from the extent of their activities outside the home, making them more difficult to reach. The under-representation of the immigrant population is presumably related to language and cultural differences. For more detailed information on the representation of population in each case, reference is made to the reports of the researchers in the different countries which can be downloaded from the programme website. All country reports indicate that despite these over- and under-representations, the survey results are valuable for the analyses of their own individual situation.

This dataset is the result of a team effort lead by Professor Ronald van Kempen, Utrecht University with funding from the EU Fifth Framework.

The survey, commissioned by the newsmagazine Suomen Kuvalehti, charted attitudes in Finland towards immigrants from different countries as well as beliefs about race. First, the respondents were asked to state their position on a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 indicated they hoped that Finland would be populated as much as possible by people of Finnish origin sharing the national values, and 0 that they hoped Finland would be populated as much as possible by people from a diversity of countries and ethnic backgrounds. Next, opinions were studied regarding how desirable or undesirable the respondents thought it was that immigrants of certain nationalities would come to Finland. The nationalities mentioned were Swedes, Germans, Russians, Estonians, US Americans, Somalis, Kosovars, Iraqis, Afghans, Syrians, Chinese, Thai and Ukrainians. The respondents were also asked to what extent they agreed with the following four statements: 'The mental abilities of black Africans are lower than those of white people living in Western countries', ' All people have equal value regardless of the colour of their skin or ethnic background', 'The white European race should be prevented from being mixed with darker races because otherwise the original population of Europe will become extinct before long ', and 'There is no such thing as 'race' since all human beings are genetically very much alike'. One question studied whether the respondents thought the Finnish media reported more negatively or positively on the Perussuomalaiset party (the Finns Party) than on the other political parties. Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, region of residence (NUTS3), major region of residence (NUTS2), city or type of municipality, education, occupational status and economic activity, household composition, number and ages of children living at home, total gross annual income of the household, and type of housing.

According to the 2021 Census, London was the most ethnically diverse region in England and Wales – 63.2% of residents identified with an ethnic minority group.

The 2000 Families: Migration Histories of Turks in Europe project explores migration processes, the multi-generational transmission of social, cultural, religious and economic resources, values and behavior. The research is targeted Turkish migrant and non-migrant families, their members in European countries and those who did not migrate to European countries or returned to Turkey, and involves survey interviews with approximately 6000 family members across three generations.

The study consists of three parts: Family Tree (Pilot and Main), Proxy interviews (Pilot and Main) and Personal interviews (Pilot and Main).

I. Information on first generation man (IKE): male ancestor is migrant or non-migrant; still alive; place of birth; year of birth (age); ethnic family origin; left his place of birth for more than five years; migration within Turkey; country of first destination; place of first destination (NUTS); year or age of internal migration; year or age of international emigration; ever moved to Europe for more than five years and country; year or age of moving; country of current (last) residence; duration of stay in Europe; number of siblings; place in the rank; age; sex of siblings; sibling moved to Europe between 1960-1974; emigration motive(s); spouse is alive; emigration(s) of spouse; year of emigration(s) of spouse; current (last) marriage was his first marriage; end of the first marriage; arranged marriage; year of marriage; ethnic family origin of spouse; spouse is (was) a relative; religion of spouse (or partner); highest level of education; first main job (ISCO-88 and ISEI); job title of current or last job (ISCO-88 and ISEI); kind of job; occupation of the father of IKE (ISCO-88 and ISEI); religion (denomination); left the country before he died; age or year of death; country of death; legal marital status at time of death; information on IKE´s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Additionally coded was: children code; grandchildren code; rank number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; generation.

II. 1. Information about respondent and migration history: migration status; year of first migration; age of first migration; country of current stay (NUTS); name of the city, town or village; degree of urbanization; city is usual place of living; name of the nearest city; usual place of living, degree of urbanization, nearest city, and country of usual place of living; place of birth, and degree of urbanization; nearest city to place of birth; country of place of birth; respondent left his country for at least one year and number of countries; destination countries; age of migration; main reason for moving; regularly movement between two countries; names of these two countries;

1. Achieved education and occupation: completed education or still in education; literacy; age when finished education; country in which the respondent finished his education; highest level of education; information on first occupation and current (or last) occupation (ISCO-88 und ISEI); country of first job; occupational status; number of supervised employees; ethnic or national origin of the person who directly manages (managed) the respondent in this current or last job; number of Turkish colleagues; working hours; usual take home pay; currency; covered period of payment.

2. Family: marriage and fertility: legal marital status; stable relationship; living together with a partner; number of marriages; age when first married; end of the first marriage due to death of a partner or divorce; divorced; age when first marriage ended; age or year of first divorce; age when married current or most recent spouse; number of children; sex and age of these children.

3. Family relations: year of birth of mother and father; parents are alive; living together with parents; country of current stay; frequency of contact with parents; distance to the living place of parents; frequency of provided advice and financial support for own parents in the last 12 months; frequency of received support and financial support; attitude towards intergenerational relations and gender roles; responsible person for family finances.

4. Attachment to Turkey and to the country and identity: Turkish citizenship; feeling connected to people from Turkey; portion of friends with Turkish background; citizenship of the country of residence; feeling connected with country nationals; preferred country to win the Eurovision Song Contest;...

Ethnic Foods Market Outlook

The global ethnic foods market size was valued at approximately USD 49 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 78 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of around 5.3% during the forecast period. The increasing globalization and multicultural interaction, coupled with a rising inclination towards diverse culinary experiences, have been pivotal in driving the growth of this market. Furthermore, as consumers become more adventurous with their food choices, the demand for authentic ethnic cuisines continues to rise, contributing significantly to the robust expansion of this market.

The primary growth factor of the ethnic foods market is the increasing globalization and cultural exchange facilitated through travel and digital media, which have introduced consumers to a variety of international cuisines. This exposure has broadened consumer palates and increased the demand for diverse and authentic ethnic foods. The popularity of food-focused television shows, social media influencers, and culinary tourism has played a significant role in making ethnic foods more mainstream, prompting retailers and foodservice outlets to expand their offerings to include a wider range of global cuisines. Additionally, the growing immigrant population in various countries has supported the rise in demand for ethnic foods, as people seek comfort in familiar traditional flavors.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing health consciousness among consumers, leading to a surge in demand for ethnic foods perceived as healthier options. Many ethnic cuisines, such as Mediterranean and Asian, emphasize the use of natural ingredients, fresh produce, and lean proteins, aligning well with current health trends. The inclination towards plant-based diets has also contributed to the popularity of ethnic foods, as many traditional cuisines are inherently plant-based. For instance, dishes like Indian dals or Middle Eastern hummus are rich in plant proteins and are now widely appreciated for their nutritional benefits. This shift in consumer preference towards healthier eating has encouraged manufacturers to innovate and offer ethnic food products with enhanced nutritional profiles.

Technological advancements in food processing and preservation have further bolstered the ethnic foods market. The development of advanced packaging techniques and the advent of ready-to-eat ethnic meals have made it easier for consumers to enjoy these cuisines conveniently. These innovations have not only improved the shelf life and accessibility of ethnic foods but also maintained their authenticity and flavor, crucial factors for consumer satisfaction. This convenience factor has been especially appealing to the younger demographic, which values time-saving meal solutions without compromising on taste and quality. Such technological progress has allowed ethnic foods to penetrate mainstream markets and expand their consumer base significantly.

Regionally, North America and Europe have traditionally been the largest markets for ethnic foods, driven by their diverse populations and openness to culinary experimentation. In North America, the United States leads the way, with its large immigrant population and dynamic food culture contributing to the market's growth. In Europe, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have seen a growing demand for ethnic foods, supported by multicultural societies and a high level of acceptance for international cuisine. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, propelled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving food preferences among consumers. The increasing number of international food chains and the expansion of retail distribution channels in this region also contribute to the market's expansion.

Product Type Analysis

The ethnic foods market is segmented into several product types, including Asian, African, Latin American, Middle Eastern, European, and others. Asian foods have traditionally dominated the market, with Chinese, Japanese, and Indian cuisines being particularly popular. The rising interest in Asian cuisine can be attributed to its rich flavors, diversity, and perceived health benefits. Many Asian dishes incorporate vegetables, lean meats, and spices known for their health-enhancing properties. The increasing global footprint of Asian food brands and restaurants has further fueled the demand for these cuisines, making them accessible to a broader audience.

African and Middle Eastern cuisines are also gaining traction in the ethnic foods market.

The global ethnic food market, valued at $45.46 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.33% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The rising popularity of diverse cuisines, driven by increased globalization and international travel, significantly contributes to market growth. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic and unique culinary experiences, leading to a higher demand for ethnic food products. Furthermore, the growth of online retail channels provides convenient access to a wider variety of ethnic food options, further boosting market expansion. Changing demographics, including rising immigration rates and multicultural societies, also play a crucial role, creating a larger consumer base with diverse dietary preferences. The market is segmented by distribution channels, with supermarkets/hypermarkets holding a significant share, followed by convenience stores and online channels. Key players like Ajinomoto, McCormick, and Associated British Foods are strategically investing in product innovation and expanding their distribution networks to capitalize on this growth. However, challenges such as maintaining product authenticity and addressing potential supply chain disruptions related to sourcing unique ingredients need to be considered. The regional distribution of the market reveals strong performance across North America and Europe, driven by high disposable incomes and established ethnic communities. Asia-Pacific, particularly India and China, presents significant growth potential due to increasing urbanization, rising middle-class incomes, and changing consumer preferences. While North America and Europe may currently hold larger market shares, Asia-Pacific is poised for accelerated growth in the coming years. The continued diversification of food preferences, the proliferation of ethnic restaurants, and the ongoing influence of social media in culinary trends will collectively shape the future of this dynamic market, with considerable opportunities for innovation and expansion within both established and emerging markets. Recent developments include: February 2022: Patak launched its "Patak's Makes Perfect" TV advertisement in collaboration with a creative advertising agency, BMB. With this new advertisement, the company aimed to strengthen its market presence in the ethnic foods retail space., February 2022: Aryzta, which operates the Cuisine de France brand, acquired the bakery, equipment, and the corresponding land of co-manufacturer De-Luxe Food Services from Envictus International Holdings Limited. This expansion strengthened Aryzta's relevant position in bakery products in Malaysia., January 2022: Paulig, which has two production sites for tortillas, dinner kits, and chips in Belgium (Roeselare) and is currently building a third production facility, acquired the innovative Spain-based company, Liven. With this acquisition, Paulig hoped to expand its Tex-Mex and snacking activities in Europe., October 2021: General Mills expanded its Old El Paso range by introducing new flavored taco shells in collaboration with crisp brand Takis in the United States. The company's latest product is inspired by Takis 'Fuego' crisp flavor and was named 'Hot Chili Pepper and Lime-Flavored Stand'N Stuff Taco Shells.' The product was exclusively available through Walmart stores.. Notable trends are: Presence of Asian Cuisine in the US Ethnic Food Marketspace.

******** ranked as the country of origin of the largest immigration group arriving into Spain in 2023, as revealed by the latest data. Over ******* people migrated from the South American country to Spain that year. The second largest group was comprised by ********* with around ******* newcomers. A matter of balance The net migration rate of Spain changed its course mainly due to the great inflow of foreigners that move to reside in the Mediterranean country. Spain’s immigration flow slowed down after the 2008 financial crisis, albeit the number of foreigners that opted to change their residence saw a significant growth in the last years. In 2023, Moroccans ranked first as the foreign nationality residing Spain, followed by people from Romania and the Colombians. Spain does not have the highest number of immigrants in Europe In recent years, the European Union confronted a rising number of refugees arriving from the Middle East and Africa. Migration figures show that Germany accommodated approximately ** million foreign-born citizens, ranking it as the country that most hosted immigrants in Europe in 2023. By comparison, Spain’s foreign population stood over ***** million, positioning the Western Mediterranean country third on the European list of foreign-born population. Unfortunately, thousands of persons have died or gone missing trying to reach Spanish territory, as more and more irregular migrants opt to use dangerous maritime routes to arrive at Southern Europe from Africa's coasts.

Snapshot img

Ethnic Foods Market Size 2025-2029

The ethnic foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 32.82 billion at a CAGR of 10.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing popularity of diverse culinary traditions, particularly Italian cuisine. This trend is influenced by the globalization of food culture and the expanding palates of consumers. Moreover, leading companies in the market are innovating and implementing sustainable packaging solutions to cater to evolving consumer preferences and reduce environmental impact. However, the market is not without challenges, including the fluctuating prices of raw materials, which can impact profitability and operational planning. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must stay agile and adapt to these dynamics, while also navigating the complexities of international trade regulations and cultural sensitivities.
To succeed, strategic partnerships, product diversification, and a strong commitment to sustainability are essential. Companies that can effectively manage these challenges and leverage market trends will be well-positioned for growth and long-term success. Food festivals, demonstrations, cooking classes, ethnic restaurants, food trucks, and grocery stores cater to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers. Food service software and inventory management systems streamline operations for businesses in this market.

What will be the Size of the Ethnic Foods Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of cuisines that reflect the rich cultural heritage and traditions of various communities worldwide. This market is characterized by its dynamic growth and innovation, driven by increasing consumer interest in cross-cultural food experiences, dietary preferences, and food allergies. The demand for gluten-free products, halal and kosher certified items, organic foods, and sustainably sourced ingredients continues to rise, shaping market trends. Ethical business practices, such as fair trade and food waste reduction, are also gaining traction. Food accessibility, equity, and community initiatives are essential aspects of the market, ensuring that diverse culinary traditions are preserved and shared.
Ethnic foods are celebrated through various channels, including food education, cultural heritage preservation, food history, food anthropology, and food media. The market is further enriched by the fusion of culinary arts, food photography, food styling, recipe development, food writing, food blogging, and food vlogging. Overall, the market is a vibrant and evolving landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of global culinary traditions.

How is this Ethnic Foods Industry segmented?

The ethnic foods industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Non-vegetarian
  Vegetarian


Product Type

  Ready-to-eat meals
  Frozen meals
  Packaged meals
  Dried meals
  Canned meals


Variant

  Asian
  Italian
  Mexican
  Others


Geography

  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Ethnic cuisine continues to captivate consumers with its unique and authentic flavors, driving demand for specialty foods and international cuisine. Cultural food preferences are at the forefront of global food trends, with regional specialties and traditional recipes gaining popularity. Food import and ingredient sourcing are crucial aspects of the ethnic food market, with ethnic grocery stores, restaurants, and food delivery services playing significant roles in the industry. Food retail, manufacturing, and processing industries cater to the diverse needs of consumers, offering a wide range of ethnic ingredients, spices and herbs, sauces and marinades, frozen foods, canned foods, dry goods, fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy products, bakery goods, ethnic snacks, and beverages.

Food preservation techniques, food innovation, and new product development are essential for maintaining the freshness and authenticity of ethnic food products. Food safety, labeling, and dietary preferences are critical considerations in the ethnic food market, with cultural influences shaping consumer demand. Food festivals, cultural events, and food tourism further fuel the growth of the ethnic food industry. Food distribution, supply chain management, and logistics are essential co

As of 2024, Romanians were Italy's largest foreign population, with over one million Romanians living in Italy during the period considered. Albania and Morocco followed with 416,000 and 412,000 people, respectively. From a regional perspective, the Northern regions had the largest foreign population. Lombardy had some 1.1 million foreign residents, the largest in the country.

This is the Swedish part of the 2003 'International Social Survey Program' (ISSP), and it is the second time ISSP focuses on national identity. The questions on national consciousness and national identity include: Identification with the town, the city, the region, the nation and with the respective continent; most important characteristics for national identity; identification with one's own nation and national pride (scale); perceived pride in the democracy of the country, the political influence of the country in the world, the economic achievement, the social security system, the scientific achievements, the achievements in sports, the achievements in arts or literature, the armed forces, the history and equal rights of all social groups in society; preference for protective duty to support the national economy; attitude to the right of international institutions to enforce solutions to be accepted nationally; attitude to enforcing national interests regardless of evoking conflicts with other countries; rejection of acquisition of land by foreigners in one's country; preference for national films in national television stations; damage done by large international companies to the local business; attitude to free trade; attitude to follow the decisions of international organisations even if the local government does not agree with them; international organisations take away too much power from the country; availability of worldwide information as a benefit of the internet; importance of sharing national customs and traditions to achieve full nationality; attitude to government support of national minorities to preserve their customs and habits; preference for assimilation of minorities or retention of their identity; hostility to foreigners and prejudices against immigrants (scale); attitude to a reduction of immigration of foreigners; respondents citizenship; citizenship of parents at birth of respondent; birthplace or citizenship of parents should allow naturalization of children; same rights for citizens and legal immigrants; attitude towards stronger measures regarding illegal immigrants; languages spoken at home; perceived ethnic affiliation and strength of this feeling; advantageousness of membership of the country in the EU; benefits from EU-membership; attitude towards a powerful EU-government. Demographic variables include sex; age; marital status; steady life-partner; years in school, current employment status; current employment status of spouse; hours worked weekly; occupation of respondent and spouse (ISCO-88); respondent and spouse working for private, public sector or self-employed; supervisor function; union membership; household size; family income; respondents earnings; household composition; self-placement on a left-right continuum; party preference; vote last election; religious denomination; frequency of church attendance; self-placement on a top-bottom scale; region; town size, rural or urban region; ethnicity or nationality. Purpose: ISSP aims to design and implement internationally comparable attitude surveys. The study in 2003 investigating National Identity. Detta är den svenska studien inom det internationella forskningsprojektet ISSP. Temat för studien 2003 är ”National Identity”. Detta är andra gången studien genomförs på det här temat (SND 0502). International Social Survey Program, ISSP, är ett globalt forskningsprojekt som har till uppgift att konstruera och genomföra internationellt jämförbara attitydstudier. Sedan 1985 har attityddata årligen samlats in och utgör nu en databas som är fritt tillgänglig för forskarsamhället. I dagsläget är 48 länder, från sex olika världsdelar, involverade i projektet. Genom bredden av medlemsländer skapas möjlighet till jämförelser i flera dimensioner. Det finns möjligheter att både jämföra länder som har en likartad samhällsstruktur och historia, och länder som skiljer sig påtagligt från varandra. Sverige har varit medlem i ISSP sedan 1992 och det är Sociologiska intuitionen vid Umeå universitet som är huvudman för studierna i Sverige. Sedan starten 1985 har attityder från flera olika områden undersökts. Vissa områden har återkommit genom åren, vilket gör det möjligt att även jämföra dem över tid. Följande ämnen har behandlats: 1985 The Role of Government I 1986 Social Networks I 1987 Social Inequality I 1988 Family and Changing Gender Roles I 1989 Work Orientations I 1990 The Role of Government II 1991 Religion I 1992 Social Inequality II 1993 Environment I 1994 Family and Changing Gender Roles II 1995 National Identity I 1996 The Role of Government III 1997 Work Orientations II 1998 Religion II 1999 Social Inequality III 2000 Environment II 2001 Social Networks II 2002 Family and Changing Gender Roles III 2003 National Identity II 2004 Social Citizenship I 2005 Work Orientations III 2006 Role of Government IV 2007 Leisure and Sports I 2008 Religion III 2009 Social Inequality IV 2010 Environment III 2011 Health 2012 Family, Work and Gender Roles IV 2012 Family, Work and Gender Roles IV Syfte: ISSP har som syfte att konstruera och genomföra internationellt jämförbara attitydstudier. Studien för 2003 undersöker åsikter om nationell identitet.

Migrants from the United Kingdom have long been Australia’s primary immigrant group and in 2023 there were roughly 960 thousand English-born people living in Australia. India and China held second and third place respectively with regard to Australia’s foreign-born population. The relative dominance of Asian countries in the list of top ten foreign-born residents of Australia represents a significant shift in Australia’s immigration patterns over the past few decades. Where European-born migrants had previously overshadowed other migrant groups, Australian migration figures are now showing greater migration numbers from neighboring countries in Asia and the Pacific. A history of migration Australia is often referred to as an ‘immigrant nation’, alongside the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Before the Second World War, migrants to Australia were almost exclusively from the UK, however after 1945, Australia’s immigration policy was broadened to attract economic migrants and temporary skilled migrants. These policy changes saw and increase in immigrants particularly from Greece and Italy. Today, Australia maintains its status as an ‘’Immigrant nation’’, with almost 30 percent of the population born overseas and around 50 percent of the population having both that were born overseas. Australian visas The Australian immigration program has two main categories of visa, permanent and temporary. The permanent visa category offers three primary pathways: skilled, family and humanitarian. The skilled visa category is by far the most common, with more than a million permanent migrants living in Australia on this visa category at the last Australian census in 2021. Of the temporary visa categories, the higher education visa is the most popular, exceeding 180 thousand arrivals in 2023.

As of March 2024, investors from the United States owned controlling stakes in ** clubs in the Big Five European soccer leagues, more than any other foreign owner nationality. The next most common non-domestic owner nationalities were Chinese, Saudi Arabian, and Swiss.

Among countries with the highest number of overseas Chinese on each continent, the largest Chinese diaspora community is living in Indonesia, numbering more than ten million people. Most of these people are descendants from migrants born in China, who have moved to Indonesia a long time ago. On the contrary, a large part of overseas Chinese living in Canada and Australia have arrived in these countries only during the last two decades. China as an emigration country Many Chinese people have emigrated from their home country in search of better living conditions and educational chances. The increasing number of Chinese emigrants has benefited from loosened migration policies. On the one hand, the attitude of the Chinese government towards emigration has changed significantly. Overseas Chinese are considered to be strong supporters for the overall strength of Chinese culture and international influence. On the other hand, migration policies in the United States and Canada are changing with time, expanding migration opportunities for non-European immigrants. As a result, China has become one of the world’s largest emigration countries as well as the country with the highest outflows of high net worth individuals. However, the mass emigration is causing a severe loss of homegrown talents and assets. The problem of talent and wealth outflow has raised pressing questions to the Chinese government, and a solution to this issue is yet to be determined. Popular destinations among Chinese emigrants Over the last decades, English speaking developed countries have been popular destinations for Chinese emigrants. In 2022 alone, the number of people from China naturalized as U.S. citizens had amounted to over 27,000 people, while nearly 68,000 had obtained legal permanent resident status as “green card” recipients. Among other popular immigration destinations for Chinese riches are Canada, Australia, Europe, and Singapore.

As of June 2024, citizens originally from Romania were the most common EU nationality in Spain, with about *** million residents. The Italian population amounted to approximately *******, making this group the second-largest nationality in Spain.

Of the foreign inhabitants residing in Iceland in 2023, the highest number had a Polish origin. Over 23,000 people with a Polish origin lived in Iceland. Danes, who made up the second largest group of foreign-born citizens, only counted 3,900 people. People from Poland also made up the largest group of people immigrating to Iceland in 2022.

Poles in Iceland

The number of immigrants from Poland started to increase after the country joined the European Union in 2004. Even though Iceland is not a member of the EU, it is a part of the European Economic Area (EEA), meaning that people from Poland do not need a residence or work permit when moving to Iceland. Traditionally, many Poles have been working in Iceland's important fishing industry, but in recent years, tourism, health care, and construction have also become important industries for Polish immigrants. In 2022, the tourism industry was the third largest employer in the country.

Employment in Iceland

The Nordic country is known for its high employment rates and high living standards. In 2022, more than 83 percent of the country's working age population was employed. This was the highest of the OECD countries that year.

The majority of immigrants moving to Sweden in 2023 were Swedes returning to Sweden. Nearly 10,600 Swedes returned to their home country in 2023. The remaining top five countries of origin were India, Poland, Germany, and Syria. In total, 95,000 people immigrated to Sweden in 2023.

Syrians largest immigrant group

Of Sweden's foreign-born population, Syrians made up the largest group. Following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, many people left the country in search of a better life in Europe, some of which landed in Sweden. In 2022, Sweden hosted the world's 7th largest group of Syrian refugees.

Immigration drives population increase in Sweden

Over the past decade, Sweden has seen a positive migration rate, with more people immigrating to the country than people leaving. This is one of the main reasons why the country's population has been increasing steadily over recent years.

Belgium has a multicultural landscape; a variety of nationalities coexist in the country. Brussels houses most of the European Union institutions. This is the reason behind the nickname "capital of Europe". In 2020, over one million foreigners were living in the country. Of the variety of nationalities in Belgium, three main origins were present on its soil. In 2020, around 485,340 people originated from France, Italy, or the Netherlands.

The migration flow in Belgium

Migration has always been part of human history. However, it is still one of society's most controversial topics. Nowadays, immigration within the European Union is primarily influenced by economic reasons. In 2020, the migration flow amounted to about 117,500 people coming to Belgium. Meanwhile, 55,769 nationals emigrated abroad.

Belgian’s views on immigration

Although Belgium has known many migration waves in its past, views on the matter still divide. In 2017, opinions in Belgium on immigrants coming from outside the EU were varied. Nonetheless, the fifth most common origin of foreigners in Belgium was Moroccan. In recent years, more than 60 percent of Belgians believed too many immigrants lived in the country. However, Belgians regarded EU citizens immigrating to their country positively.

With nearly 49,000 living in Denmark as of January 1, 2024, most immigrants were from Poland. The second and third largest groups of immigrants were from Ukraine and Romania, amounting to roughly 41,000 and 40,000 people, respectively. Tightening immigration policies Like many European countries, Denmark experienced a heightened influx of immigrants in 2015. In the wake of the refugee situation, however, the number of immigrants, notably asylum seekers, declined in part due to sharpened immigration policies. In 2015, over 21,000 refugees applied for asylum in Denmark, whereas applications fell below 5,000 in 2022. Residence permits Among the different types of residence permits, permits granted based on asylum were the least delivered type of permit. Only 1,400 people were granted asylum in Denmark in 2022. The highest number of asylum seekers came from Ukraine, even when excluding Ukrainians arriving via the temporary protection act. In 2022, Denmark registered around 2,000 applications from Ukrainians.